DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law
or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 911 Re-Reengrossed 2022 Regular Session Hughes
Abstract: Provides for additional literacy screenings for students in grades K-3, requires individual
reading plans for certain students, and requires literacy coaches for teachers.
Relative to literacy tests for students in grades K-3:
(1)Present law requires the state Dept. of Education (DOE) to develop an instrument to assess
the literacy level of each public school student in grades K-3. Proposed law changes the
terminology for this instrument from a literacy assessment to a literacy screener and requires
DOE to develop or select it.
(2)Present law provides for students in grades K-3 to take this test within the first 30 days of the
school year. Proposed law provides for two additional tests per school year, one in Dec. and
one in April.
(3)Present law requires parental notification when students are identified as having literacy
skills that are below grade level based on the results of the test. Proposed law specifies that
this notification is required upon such identification based on the results of any of the three
tests administered per school year.
(4)Present law requires the state Dept. of Education (DOE) to submit a report to the legislature
on results within the first 90 days of the school year. Proposed law additionally requires a
second report to be submitted by June 1st (the first report covering the results of the first test
and the second report covering the results of the second and third tests).
Relative to literacy interventions and supports for students identified as having literacy skills below
grade level:
(1)Proposed law requires an individual reading improvement plan for each such student created
by school officials and parents.
(2)Present law requires literacy interventions and supports for these students, which may
include small-group interventions, before and after school literacy intervention, and at-home
literacy programs. Proposed law adds summer learning opportunities to this list.
Relative to professional development for teachers, present law requires professional development
pertaining to early literacy, including a course on foundational literacy skills. Proposed law additionally requires literacy coaches for on-site teacher training.
(Amends R.S. 17:24.9(B), (C)(5), and (D), 24.10(A)(2) and (3), (B)(1)(intro. para.), and (D)- (F),
and 24.12(C) and (D); Adds R.S. 17:24.10(G) and 24.12(E))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Education to the original bill:
1. Revise terminology from literacy assessment to literacy screener throughout present law
and proposed law.
2. Revise Dept. of Education's role relative to the literacy screener by providing for the
department to either develop or select it.